Shukan Shincho conducted an in-depth investigation into the use of vegetables from China by restaurant chains and published a list naming the companies. The article features footage from sites where cabbage is trampled underfoot and cigarette butts are left on it.
This is the first part of a feature investigating whether restaurant chains use vegetables from China and publishing the findings as a list naming the companies. The investigation focuses on the processing and supply routes for cabbage, for which the hazardous substance formaldehyde has become a concern, and reportedly illustrates the actual situation by naming the companies involved.
The article explains that reports, photographs and video footage showing cabbage production and processing sites point to deficiencies in inspections before shipment and in hygiene management. It also highlights problems in the industry by examining these issues alongside past cases involving adulterated-meat sausages and other products.
The article also discusses "315 Gala," a special program broadcast by China's national television network, and notes the influence of social media as a channel for disseminating information, as well as the difficulty of communicating information to general consumers. It mentions the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's policy of strengthening quarantine measures. Although it states that Chinese cabbage is not currently in circulation, it suggests that inspecting all shipments is difficult in practice.
The article concludes that Japanese companies should strengthen management at production sites in China, while conveying experts' view that it is difficult for general consumers to take specific action.